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Changing Children's Movie Narratives
Jan 11, 2025
Lecture Notes: Changing Narratives in Children's Movies
Introduction
Speaker's Favorite Part of Being a Dad
Sharing favorite movies with kids
Example: Watching "The Wizard of Oz" with his four-year-old daughter
Impact of "The Wizard of Oz" on his daughter
Comparison to current children's movies
The Distinctiveness of "The Wizard of Oz"
Contrast with Modern Movies
Minimal violence compared to contemporary children's films
Female-centric heroism and wisdom
Example: Contrast with "Star Wars"
Male-centric narrative
Princess Leia's limited role
Themes in Children's Movies
Narrative Differences
"The Wizard of Oz": Leadership and friendship
Modern films: Focus on defeating villains, male hero's journey
Lack of diverse role models and journeys for boys
Impact of Media on Children
Gender Representation
Disney princesses and their impact on girls
Limited representation for boys in mainstream media
Movie Industry Trends
Underrepresentation of female protagonists in top movies
Reference to the Bechdel Test
Criteria: Two women who talk to each other about something other than a man
Critique of "Argo" as an example
Societal Implications
Statistics and Concerns
Government study: 1 out of 5 women in America sexually assaulted
Questions about the impact of media on societal norms
Concerns about perpetuating "boy power"
Redefining Manhood and Parenting
Parental Role
Encouraging new definitions of manhood
Importance of showing sons role models that respect women and join teams
Recommendations
Seek out movies that pass the Bechdel Test
Encourage identification with courageous heroines
Example: Speaker's daughter prefers Obi-Wan Kenobi and Glinda
Conclusion
Desire for New Quests
More stories about collaboration and team-led by women
Positive role models for both sons and daughters
End Note
Emphasis on creating better narratives for children's growth
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